Curved rearview system for vehicles

ABSTRACT

The curved rearview mirror system for vehicles allows a driver to see the entire area of a driver&#39;s blind spot from looking into any one of three mirrors without giving the driver an overly distorted view. The mirror system includes a central rearview mirror with a central planar section and two side convexly curved sections having a constant radius of curvature. The mirror system also includes left and right side rearview mirrors. Each side rearview mirror includes a central planar section, a convexly curved side section, a convexly curved top section, and a convexly curved bottom section. The shape and placement of each mirror is governed by a series of equations that give the driver the best possible view of the blind spot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the shape and placement of side andcenter rearview mirrors on a vehicle that allow a driver to have acomplete view of the blind spot.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ordinarily, flat mirrors of rectangular or of substantially rectangularshape are employed as rearview mirrors in automobiles. These mirrorsprovide the driver with a view through the rear window of theautomobile, but the driver ordinarily cannot see automobiles on eitherside of the driver's automobile that are in a position to pass thedriver's automobile, i.e., the driver cannot see other automobiles inhis or her “blind spot.”

U.S. Pat. No. 2,857,810, issued Jun. 22, 1953 to J. Troendle, disclosesa center rearview mirror with a planar central section and two curvedsections on the side. The '810 patent, however, does not disclose thebest shape and positioning of the mirror to yield the optimal view ofthe blind spot.

U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0169521, published Sep. 11, 2003,discloses a central rearview mirror having curved sides that transitionfrom substantially flat surface having a very large radius of curvaturein the middle to a progressively smaller radius of curvature towards thesides of the mirror. U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,144, issued Apr. 28, 1981 toMcCord, discloses a similar central rearview mirror having aprogressively smaller radius of curvature towards the sides of themirror. Neither the '521 publication nor the '144 patent, however,discloses the positioning of the mirror that yields the optimal view ofthe blind spot.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,786, issued on May 22, 1984 to R. McCord, disclosesa central rearview mirror that is entirely curved. Other centralrearview mirrors that are entirely curved are described in U.S. Pat. No.3,901,587, issued on Aug. 26, 1975 to E. Haile; and U.S. Pat. No.5,321,556, issued Jun. 14, 1994 to T. Joe. The images produced byrearview mirrors which are entirely curved, however, tend to bedistorted.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,382, issued on May 25, 1982 to H. Graff, discloses aside rearview mirror having a planar section and an adjacent curvedsection having a constant radius of curvature. Other Patents disclosingsimilar side rearview mirrors having a planar section and an adjacentcurved section include U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,979, issued on Mar. 31, 1981to W. Mahin and French Patent No. 2,588,808, published Apr. 24, 1987.These patents, however, does not disclose the best shapes andpositioning of these mirrors that yield the optimal view of the blindspot.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,952, issued on Dec. 2, 1964 to J. Tobin, Jr.,discloses a side rearview mirror having a planar section with anadjacent spherical side section. Similar side rearview mirrors having aplanar section and an adjacent spherical section are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,005,962, issued Apr. 9, 1991 to K. Edelman; U.S. Pat. No.5,517,367, issued May 14, 1996 to Kim et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.5,793,542, issued Aug. 11, 1998 to Kondo et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,279,751, issued Apr. 14, 1942 to E. Hensley, discloses aside rearview mirror having four planar sections at different angles.U.S. Pat. No. 2,514,989, issued Jul. 11, 1950 to N. Buren, discloses asimilar side rearview mirror having two planar sections of differentcolors. Similar rearview mirrors with multiple planar sections atdifferent angles are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,227, issued Mar. 17,1970 to W. Landen; U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,851, issued Dec. 21, 1971 to H.Robertson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,601, issued Aug. 3, 1976 to W. Johnson;U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,046, issued Aug. 22, 1989 to Traynor et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,579,133, issued Nov. 26, 1996 to Black et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,386, issued Jan. 18, 1994 to D. Johnson, discloses awindshield deflection shield with lenses or rearview mirrors.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or incombination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus,a curved rearview mirror system for vehicles solving the aforementionedproblems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The curved rearview mirror system for vehicles of the present inventionallows a driver to see the entire area of a driver's blind spot fromlooking at any one of three mirrors without giving the driver an overlydistorted view. The mirror system includes a central rearview mirrorhaving a central planar section and two lateral, convexly curvedsections with a constant radius of curvature. The mirror system alsoincludes left and right side-mounted rearview mirrors. Each siderearview mirror includes a central planar section, a convexly curvedside section, a convexly curved top section, and a convexly curvedbottom section. The shape and placement of each mirror is governed by aseries of equations that give the driver the best possible view of theblind spot by selection left and right reference points on the groundspaced laterally from the vehicle. The curved rearview mirror system isadapted for both left hand drive and right hand drive vehicles.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide acurved rearview mirror system that gives a driver an optimal view of theblind spot.

It is another object of the invention to provide improved central andside rearview mirrors that are each placed so that the driver can get acomplete view of the blind spot.

It is a further object of the invention to provide mirrors that do notoverly distort a reflected image of the blind spot.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive,dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an environmental top view of the curved rearview mirrorsystem for left hand drive vehicles according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a detailed environmental top view of the curved rearviewmirror system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an environmental top view of the curved rearview mirrorsystem of FIG. 1A adapted for right hand drive vehicles.

FIG. 1D is a detailed environmental top view of the curved rearviewmirror system of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 is an environmental side view of the curved rearview mirrorsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an environmental front perspective view of the central curvedrearview mirror of the system of the present invention, showing themirror attached to a windshield.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the central curved rearview mirror of thesystem of the present invention, showing the mirror attached to awindshield.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a curved rearview mirror of thesystem of the present invention for mounting to the left side of avehicle.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the left side mirror of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the left side mirror of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a curved rearview mirror of thesystem of the present invention for mounting to the right side of avehicle.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the right side mirror of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a side view of the right side mirror of FIG. 5A.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a system of curved rearview mirrors andtheir placement within an automotive vehicle. There are three curvedrearview mirrors. The central rearview mirror has a planar middlesection and two side convexly curved side sections. The left siderearview mirror has a planar mid section, a left side convexly curvedsection, a top convexly curved section, and a bottom convexly curvedsection. The right side rearview mirror has a planar mid section, aright side convexly curved section, a top convexly curved section, and abottom convexly curved section.

FIG. 1A depicts a left hand drive automobile 60 with the curved rearviewmirrors 10, 20, and 30 of the curved mirror system. FIG. 1B depicts aclose up of the driver 40 in relation to the rearview mirrors 10, 20,and 30. FIG. 1C depicts a right hand drive automobile 60R with thecurved rearview mirrors 10, 20, and 30 of the curved mirror system. FIG.1D depicts a close up of the driver 40 in right hand drive automobile60R with the curved rearview mirrors 10, 20, and 30 of the curved mirrorsystem.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 3A and 3C, the central rearviewmirror 10 is attached to a pivot 18 positioned at a point along acentral line 42 of the automobile 60. The central line 42 is positionednear the center of the automobile 60, but can be positioned slightly tothe right or to the left of the exact center of the automobile 60. Thepivoted position of the central rearview mirror 10 is spaced a distancec away from the line demarking the plane of the driver's eyes 40 _(R)and 40 _(L) when the driver is facing forward and a distance h away froma line 40 _(h) demarking the plane equidistant from the driver's leftand right eyes. The central rearview mirror 10 is positioned at an angleB_(M) from a line 44 _(C) normal to the central line 42 of theautomobile 60 and passing through the pivot point of the central mirror10. Line 44 _(C) and lines and vertical planes parallel thereto arereferred to herein as lateral lines and planes or “the lateral”.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 4A-4C, the left curved rearview mirror 20is positioned to the left side of the automobile 60. The edge 84 of theplanar section 22 that is not attached to a curved section is spaced adistance of f_(L) away from the side 48 _(L) of the automobile 60, adistance d_(L) in front of the eyes of the driver 40 _(L). The side 48_(L) of the automobile 60 is spaced a distance e from the center pointof the driver's eyes 40 _(h). The planar section is angled at an angleof B_(L) away from a plane 44 _(L) normal to the central line 42 of theautomobile 60 and passing through the pivot point of the left siderearview mirror 20. A distance b_(L) represents the distance from thestraight edge 84 the planar section 22 of the left rearview mirror 20 tothe back 46 of the automobile 60.

A reference point 50 _(L) is to the left of the automobile 60. Thisreference point 50 _(L) will be set by a designer and represent aposition that the driver 40 desires to see via the left and centerrearview mirrors 20 and 10. The reference point 50 _(L) is a distanceg_(L) away from the side 48 _(L) of the automobile 60. An angle G_(L) orG_(ML) represents the angle that a driver 40 must look away from the 90°left 40 _(L) to see the reference point 50 _(L).

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 5A-5C, the right curved rearview mirror 30is positioned to the right side 48 _(R) of the automobile 60. Thestraight edge 94 of the planar section of the right rearview mirror 30is spaced a distance of f_(R) away from the side 48 _(R) of theautomobile 60, a distance d_(R) in front of the eyes of the driver 40_(R). The planar section 32 is angled at an angle of B_(R) away from aplane 44 _(R) normal to central line 42 and passing through the pivotpoint of the right rearview mirror 30.

The side 48 _(R) of the automobile 60 is spaced a distance a from theopposite side 48 _(L). A distance b_(R) represents the distance from theleft edge 94 of the planar section 32 of the right rearview mirror 30 tothe back 46 of the automobile 60.

A reference point 50 _(R) is to the right of the automobile 60. Thisreference point 50 _(R) will be set by a designer and represent aposition that the driver 40 desires to see via the right and centerrearview mirrors 30 and 10. The reference point 50 _(R) is a distanceg_(a) away from the side 48 _(R) of the automobile 60. An angle G_(R) orG_(MR) represents the angle that a driver 40 must look away from the 90°to the right 40 _(R) to see the reference point 50 _(R).

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the automobile 60 with the curved rearviewmirrors 10 and 20. The pivot position of the left rearview mirror 20 isa distance l_(L) above the ground G. The pivot position of the rightrearview mirror 30 is a distance l_(R) above the ground G. The driver'seyes 40 _(h) are a distance p above the ground G. The left side of theroof of the automobile 60 is a distance j_(L) above the ground G. Theright side of the roof of the automobile 60 is a distance j_(R) abovethe ground G. A line 100 represents the level of the roof. The centralrearview mirror 10 is a distance b_(C) from the back of the car.

Either side of the automobile 60 has a second reference point 52representing the furthest points forward along the ground that a driver40 is able to see via the side rearview mirrors 20 and 30, respectively.The driver 40 must look at an angle G_(LD) or G_(RD) away from thevertical to see these reference points 52. A line 54 represents avertical plane through the second reference point 52 and intersects withthe plane of the roof 100. To see this intersection point, the driver 40must look at an angle of G_(LU) or G_(RU) away from the vertical.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the central rearview mirror 10. FIG.3B shows a top view of the central rearview mirror 10. It includes aplanar middle section 12, a convexly curved left section 14, and aconvexly curved right section 16. The back of the mirror 10 is attachedto a pivot 18 attached to the mount 19. The position on the mirrorsurface directly in front of pivot point 18 is demarcated with a line 70described herein as the pivot position 70. The locations along themirror where the mirror transitions from the planar section to thecurved sections are demarcated with the lines 72 and 74. The mirror 10has a length M_(MLP) from the left edge 72 of the planar section to thepivot position 70. The mirror 10 has a length M_(MRP) from the rightedge 74 of the planar section to the pivot position 70. The left curvedsection 14 has a constant radius of curvature r_(ML). The right curvedsection 16 has a constant radius of curvature r_(MR). The mirror 10 hasa length M_(ML) from the far edge of the left curved section 14 to thepivot position 70. The mirror 10 has a length M_(MR) from the far edgeof the right curved section 16 to the pivot position 70. The left sideof the central mirror 10 has an angle D_(ML) between the plane of theplanar section 12 and a plane including the far edge of the left curvedsection 14 and the pivot position 70. The right side of the centralmirror 10 has an angle D_(MR) between the plane of the planar section 12and a plane including the far edge of the right curved section 16 andthe pivot position 70.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the left side ofthe central rearview mirror as described above are governed by thefollowing equations. It is noted that I_(ML) does not denote anydistance or shape of the mirror, but only 5 represents a calculatedvalue. K_(ML) does not denote any distance or shape of the mirror, butrepresents the ratio of M_(MLP) to M_(ML). $\begin{matrix}{I_{ML} = {90 - B_{M} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{c + {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}{h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\frac{\quad{c + {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{ML}}}}{g_{L} + e + h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 1} \right) \\{I_{ML} = {B_{M} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\frac{\quad{c - {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}}}}{h + {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{\begin{matrix}{c - {{M_{ML} \cdot \sin}\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)} -} \\{\left( {g_{R} + a - e - h} \right)\tan\quad G_{ML}}\end{matrix}}{g_{R} + a - e - h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 2} \right) \\{K_{ML} = {\frac{M_{MLP}}{M_{ML}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{ML}}{2} - D_{ML}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 3} \right) \\{r_{ML} = \frac{M_{ML}\sqrt{\left( K_{ML} \right)^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{ML} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{ML}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 4} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(ML) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance of the left edge of the planarsection 12 to the pivot position 70 to the distance from the far leftedge of the left curved section 14 to the pivot position 70. After theK_(ML) value is set, the other values are set or calculated according toa designer's desires. The K_(ML) value is set between 1/10 and 9/10depending on design choice. In the figures, the K_(ML) value is set at⅔.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the right side ofthe central rearview mirror 10 are governed by the following equations.It is noted that I_(MR) does not denote any distance or shape of themirror, but only represents a calculated value. K_(MR) does not denoteany distance or shape of the mirror, but represents the ratio of M_(MRP)to M_(MR). $\begin{matrix}{I_{MR} = {B_{M} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\frac{\quad{c - {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}}{h + {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{c - {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + a - e - h} \right)\tan\quad G_{MR}}}{g_{R} + a - e - h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 5} \right) \\{I_{MR} = {90 - B_{M} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{c + {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}{h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\frac{\quad{c + {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{MR}}}}{g_{R} + e + h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 6} \right) \\{K_{MR} = {\frac{M_{MRP}}{M_{MR}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{MR}}{2} - D_{MR}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 7} \right) \\{r_{MR} = \frac{M_{MR}\sqrt{K_{MR}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{MR} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{MR}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 8} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(MR) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance of the right edge 74 of the planarsection 12 to the pivot position 70 to the distance from the far rightedge of the right curved section 16 to pivot position 70. After theK_(MR) value is set, the other values are set or calculated according toa designer's desires. The K_(MR) value is set between 1/10 and 9/10depending on design choice. In the figures, the K_(MR) value is set at⅔.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of the left rearview mirror 20. Theleft rearview mirror includes a planar section 22, a side curved section24 on the left side of the planar section 22, a top curved section 26,and a bottom curved section 27. The back of the mirror 20 is attached toa pivot 28 attached to the mount 29. The part of the mirror directly infront of pivot point 28 is demarcated with the lines 80 a and 80 b. Theplaces along the mirror where the mirror transitions from the planarsection to the curved sections are demarcated with the lines 82, 86, and88. Line 84 demarks the right edge of the planar section 22.

FIG. 4B depicts a top view of the left rearview mirror 20. The mirror 20has a length M_(LP) from the left edge 82 to the right edge 84 of theplanar section 22. The left convexly curved section 24 has a constantradius of curvature r_(L). The mirror 20 has a length M_(L) from the faredge of the left curved section 24 to the right edge 84 of the planarsection 22. The left mirror 20 has an angle D_(L) between the plane ofthe planar section 22 and a plane including the far edge of the leftcurved section 24 and the right edge 84 of the planar section 22.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the left curvedsection of the left rearview mirror 20 are governed by the followingequations. It is noted that I_(L) does not denote any distance or shapeof the mirror, but only represents a calculated value. K_(L) does notdenote any distance or shape of the mirror, but represents the ratio ofM_(LP) to M_(L). $\begin{matrix}{I_{L} = {B_{L} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}{e + f_{L} + {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{L}}}{g_{L} - f_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 9} \right) \\{I_{L} = {B_{L} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}{a - e + f_{L} + {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + a - e} \right)\tan\quad G_{L}}}{g_{L} - f_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 10} \right) \\{K_{L} = {\frac{M_{LP}}{M_{L}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{L}}{2} - D_{L}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 11} \right) \\{r_{L} = \frac{M_{L}\sqrt{K_{L}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{L} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{L}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 12} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(L) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(LP) from the left edge 82 to theright edge 84 of the planar section 22 to the distance M_(L) from thefar left edge of the left curved section 24 to the right edge 84 of theplanar section 22. After the K_(L) value is set, the other values areset or calculated according to a designer's desires. The K_(L) value isset between 1/10 and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures,the K_(L) value is set at ⅔.

FIG. 4C depicts a side view of the left rearview mirror 20. The part ofthe mirror directly in front of pivot point 28 is demarcated with a line80 b. The places along the mirror where the mirror transitions from theplanar section to the top and bottom curved sections are demarcated withthe lines 88 and 86 respectively. The mirror 20 has a length M_(LDP)from the bottom edge 86 of the planar section 22 to the pivot position80 b. The mirror 20 has a length M_(LUP) from the top edge 88 of theplanar section 22 to the pivot position 80 b. The bottom curved section27 has a constant radius of curvature r_(LD). The top curved section 26has a constant radius of curvature r_(LU). The mirror 20 has a lengthM_(LD) from the far edge of the bottom curved section 27 to the pivotposition 80 b. The mirror 20 has a length M_(LU) from the far edge ofthe top curved section 26 to the pivot position 80 b. The bottom side ofthe left mirror 20 has an angle D_(LD) between the plane of the planarsection 22 and a plane including the far edge of the bottom curvedsection 27 and the pivot position 80 b. The top side of the left mirror20 has an angle D_(LU) between the plane of the planar section 22 and aplane including the far edge of the top curved section 26 and the pivotposition 80 b. The angle B_(LUD) is the angle of downward tilt of theplanar section 22 relative to a vertical plane normal to the centerlineof the vehicle.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the bottom side ofthe left rearview mirror 20 are governed by the following equations. Itis noted that I_(LD) does not denote any distance or shape of themirror, but only represents a calculated value. K_(LD) does not denoteany distance or shape of the mirror, but represents the ratio of M_(LDP)to M_(LP). $\begin{matrix}{I_{LD} = {B_{LUD} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}{p - l_{L} + {M_{LD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}} - {{p \cdot \tan}\quad G_{LD}}}{l_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 13} \right) \\{K_{LD} = {\frac{M_{LDP}}{M_{LD}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{LD}}{2} - D_{LD}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{LD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 14} \right) \\{r_{LD} = \frac{M_{LD}\sqrt{K_{LD}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{LD} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{LD}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{LD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 15} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(LD) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(LDP) of the bottom edge 86 ofthe planar section 22 to the pivot position 80 b to the distance M_(LD)from the far bottom edge of the bottom curved section 27 to pivotposition 80 b. After the K_(LD) value is set, the other values are setor calculated according to a designer's desires. The K_(LD) value is setbetween 1/10 and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures, theK_(LD) value is set at ⅔.

The top side of the left rearview mirror 20 is governed by the followingequations. It is noted that I_(LU) does not denote any distance or shapeof the mirror, but only represents a calculated value. K_(LU) does notdenote any distance or shape of the mirror, but represents the ratio ofM_(LUP) to M_(LU). $\begin{matrix}{I_{LU} = {90 - B_{LUD} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} + {M_{LU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}{p - l_{L} - {M_{LU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} + {M_{LU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}} - {\left( {j_{L} - p} \right)\tan\quad G_{LU}}}{j_{L} - l_{L} - {M_{LU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 16} \right) \\{K_{LU} = {\frac{M_{LUP}}{M_{LU}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{LU}}{2} - D_{LU}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{LU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 17} \right) \\{r_{LU} = \frac{M_{LU}\sqrt{K_{LU}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{LU} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{LU}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{LU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 18} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(LU) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(LUP) of the top edge 88 of theplanar section 22 to the pivot position 80 b to the distance M_(LU) fromthe far top edge of the top curved section 26 to the pivot position 80b. After the K_(LU) value is set, the other values are set or calculatedaccording to a designer's desires. The K_(LU) value is set between 1/10and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures, the K_(LU) value isset at ⅔.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of the right rearview mirror 30. Theright rearview mirror includes a planar section 32, a side curvedsection 34 on the right side of the planar section 32, a top curvedsection 36, and a bottom curved section 37. The back of the mirror 30 isattached to a pivot 38 attached to the mount 39. The part of the mirrordirectly in front of pivot point 38 is demarcated with a line 90. Theplaces along the mirror 30 where the mirror transitions from the planarsection to the curved sections are demarcated with the lines 92, 96, and98. Line 94 demarks the left edge of the planar section 32.

FIG. 5B depicts a top view of the right rearview mirror 30. The mirror30 has a length M_(RP) from the right edge 92 of the planar section 32to the left edge 94 of the planar section 32. The right curved section34 has a constant radius of curvature r_(R). The mirror 30 has a lengthM_(R) from the far edge of the right curved section 34 to the left edge94 of the planar section 32. The mirror 30 has an angle D_(R) betweenthe plane of the planar section 32 and a plane including the far edge ofthe right curved section 34 and the left edge 94 of the planar section32.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the left curvedsection of the left rearview mirror 30 as described above are governedby the following equations. It is noted that I_(R) does not denote anydistance or shape of the mirror, but only represents a calculated value.K_(R) does not denote any distance or shape of the mirror, butrepresents the ratio of M_(RP) to M_(R). $\begin{matrix}{I_{R} = {B_{R} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}{a - e + f_{R} + {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + a - e} \right)\tan\quad G_{R}}}{g_{R} - f_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 19} \right) \\{I_{R} = {B_{R} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}{e + f_{R} + {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{R}}}{g_{R} - f_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 20} \right) \\{K_{R} = {\frac{M_{RP}}{M_{R}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{R}}{2} - D_{R}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 21} \right) \\{r_{R} = \frac{M_{R}\sqrt{K_{R}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{R} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{R}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 22} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(R) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(RP) from the right edge 92 tothe left edge 94 of the planar section 32 to the distance M_(R) from thefar right edge of the right curved section 34 to the left edge 94 of theplanar section 32. After the K_(R) value is set, the other values areset or calculated according to a designer's desires. The K_(R) value isset between 1/10 and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures,the K_(R) value is set at ⅔.

FIG. 5C depicts a side view of the right rearview mirror 30. The part ofthe mirror directly in front of pivot point 38 is demarcated with a line90 b. The places along the mirror where the mirror transitions from theplanar section 32 to the top and bottom curved sections 36 and 37 aredemarcated with the lines 98 and 96 respectively. The mirror 30 has alength M_(RDP) from the bottom edge 96 of the planar section 32 to thepivot position 90 b. The mirror 30 has a length M_(RUP) from the topedge 98 of the planar section 32 to the pivot position 90 b. The bottomcurved section 37 has a constant radius of curvature r_(RD). The topcurved section 36 has a constant radius of curvature r_(RU). The mirror30 has a length M_(RD) from the far edge of the bottom curved section 37to the pivot position 90 b. The mirror 30 has a length M_(RU) from thefar edge of the top curved section 36 to the pivot position 90 b. Thebottom side of the right mirror 30 has an angle D_(RD) between the planeof the planar section 32 and a plane including the far edge of thebottom curved section 37 and the pivot position 90 b. The top side ofthe right mirror 30 has an angle D_(RU) between the plane of the planarsection 32 and a plane including the far edge of the top curved section36 and the pivot position 90 b.

The relative sizes, shapes, angles, and distances of the bottom side ofthe right rearview mirror 30 are governed by the following equations. Itis noted that I_(RD) does not denote any distance or shape of themirror, but only represents a calculated value. K_(RD) does not denoteany distance or shape of the mirror, but represents the ratio of M_(RDP)to M_(RD). $\begin{matrix}{I_{RD} = {B_{RUD} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}{p - l_{R} + {M_{RD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}} - {{p \cdot \tan}\quad G_{RD}}}{l_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 23} \right) \\{K_{RD} = {\frac{M_{RDP}}{M_{RD}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{RD}}{2} - D_{RD}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{RD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 24} \right) \\{r_{RD} = \frac{M_{RD}\sqrt{K_{RD}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{RD} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{RD}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{RD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 25} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(RD) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(RDP) of the bottom edge 96 ofthe planar section 32 to the pivot position 90 b to the distance M_(RD)from the far bottom edge of the bottom curved section 37 to pivotposition 90 b. After the K_(RD) value is set, the other values are setor calculated according to a designer's desires. The K_(RD) value is setbetween 1/10 and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures, theK_(RD) value is set at ⅔.

The top side of the right rearview mirror 30 is governed by thefollowing equations. It is noted that I_(RU) does not denote anydistance or shape of the mirror, but only represents a calculated value.K_(RU) does not denote any distance or shape of the mirror, butrepresents the ratio of M_(RUP) to M_(RU). $\begin{matrix}{I_{RU} = {90 - B_{RUD} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} + {M_{RU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}{p - l_{R} - {M_{RU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} + {M_{RU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}} - {\left( {j_{R} - p} \right)\tan\quad G_{RU}}}{j_{R} - l_{R} - {M_{RU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 26} \right) \\{K_{RU} = {\frac{M_{RUP}}{M_{RU}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{RU}}{2} - D_{RU}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{RU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 27} \right) \\{r_{RU} = \frac{M_{RU}\sqrt{K_{RU}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{RU} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{RU}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{RU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 28} \right)\end{matrix}$

Optimally a designer of automobiles will set the K_(RU) value, whichrepresents the ratio of the distance M_(RUP) of the top edge 98 of theplanar section 32 to the pivot position 90 b to the distance M_(RU) fromthe far top edge of the top curved section 36 to the pivot position 90b. After the K_(RU) value is set, the other values are set or calculatedaccording to a designer's desires. The K_(RU) value is set between 1/10and 9/10 depending on design choice. In the figures, the K_(RU) value isset at ⅔.

Table of symbols:

c=the forward distance between the driver's eyes and the pivot point ofthe central mirror.

h=the lateral distance between the driver's ayes and the pivot point ofthe central mirror.

B_(M)=the angle of the flat face of the central mirror relative tolateral.

a=the lateral distance between the left side and the right side of thevehicle.

f_(L)=the lateral distance between the left side of the vehicle and theinner edge of the left mirror.

d_(L)=the forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge ofthe left mirror.

e=the lateral distance between the driver's eyes and the left side ofthe vehicle.

B_(L)=the angle between the face of the left mirror and lateral.

b_(L)=the forward distance between the rear of the vehicle and the inneredge of the left mirror.

g_(L)=the lateral distance from the left side of the vehicle and thefirst left reference point.

(G_(L), G_(ML))=the angle between lateral and the first reference point.

f_(R)=the lateral distance between the right side mirror inner edge andthe right side of the vehicle.

d_(R)=the forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge ofthe right side mirror.

B_(R)=the angle between the face of the right side mirror and lateral.

b_(R)=the forward distance from the rear of the vehicle to the inneredge of the right side mirror.

g_(R)=the lateral distance between the right side of the vehicle and thefirst right reference point.

(G_(R), G_(MR))=the angle between lateral and the first right referencepoint.

l_(L)=the vertical distance between ground and the pivot point of theleft side mirror.

l_(R)=the vertical distance between the ground and the pivot point ofthe right side mirror.

p=the vertical distance of the driver's eyes above the ground.

j_(L)=the vertical distance between the ground and the left side of thevehicle roof.

j_(R)=the vertical distance between the ground and the right side of thevehicle roof.

b_(c)=the forward distance between the rear of the vehicle and thecentral rearview mirror.

G_(LD)=the forward angle from vertical of the second left referencepoint.

G_(RD)=the forward angle from vertical of the second right referencepoint.

(G_(LU), G_(RU))=the angle of the driver's line of sight relative tovertical when directed to any of a locus of points representing theintersection of a vertical plane extending between the second left andthe second right reference points and a horizontal plane at vehicle rooflevel.

M_(MLP)=the length from the left planar edge to the pivot position ofthe central mirror.

M_(MRP)=the length from the right planar edge to the pivot position ofthe central mirror.

r_(ML)=the radius of the left curved section of the central mirror.

r_(MR)=the radius of the right curved section of the central mirror.

M_(ML)=the length from the far edge of the left curved section to thepivot position of the central mirror.

M_(MR)=the length from the far edge of the right curved section to thepivot position of the central mirror.

D_(ML)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the left curved section and the pivot point of the centralmirror.

D_(MR)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the right curved section and the pivot point of the centralmirror.

M_(LP)=the length from the left edge of the flat portion to the innerright edge of the left mirror.

r_(L)=the constant radius of the left curved section of the left mirror.

M_(L)=the length from the far left edge of the curved section to theright inner edge of the left mirror.

D_(L)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the left curved section and the inner right edge of the leftmirror.

M_(LDP)=the length from the bottom edge of the planar section to thepivot section of the left mirror.

M_(LUP)=the length from the top edge of the planar section to the pivotposition of the left mirror.

r_(LD)=the constant radius of bottom curved section of the left mirror.

r_(LU)=the constant radius of the top curved section of the left mirror.

M_(LD)=the length from the far edge of the bottom curved section to thepivot position of the left mirror.

M_(LU)=the length from the far edge of the top curved section to thepivot position of the left mirror.

D_(LD)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the bottom curved section and the pivot position of the leftmirror.

D_(LU)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the top curved section and the pivot position of the leftmirror.

B_(LUD)=the angle of upward tilt of the planar section relative to avertical plane normal to the centerline of the vehicle.

M_(RP)=the length from the right edge of the planar section to the innerleft edge of the planar section of the right mirror.

r_(R)=the constant radius of the right curved section of the rightmirror.

M_(R)=the length from the far edge of the right curved section to theinner left edge of the right mirror.

D_(R)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the right curved section and the inner left edge of the planarsection of the right mirror.

M_(RDP)=the length from the bottom edge of the planar section to thepivot position of the right mirror.

M_(RUP)=the length from the top edge of the planar section to the pivotposition of the right mirror.

r_(RD)=the constant radius of the bottom curved section of the rightmirror.

r_(RU)=the constant radius of the top curved section of the rightmirror.

M_(RD)=the length from the far edge of the bottom curved section to thepivot position of the right mirror.

M_(RU)=the length from the far edge of the top curved section to thepivot position of the right mirror.

D_(RD)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the bottom curved section and the pivot position of theright mirror.

D_(RU)=the angle between the planar section and a plane including thefar edge of the top of the curved section and the pivot position of theright mirror.

B_(RUD)=the angle of upward tilt of the planar section relative to avertical plane normal to the centerline of the vehicle;

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A curved central rearview mirror for a vehicle, comprising: a bodyhaving a reflective front surface and a back surface, said front surfacehaving: a central planar section; a left section having a constantradius of curvature and extending from a left far edge to said centralplanar section; a right section having a constant radius of curvatureand extending from a right far edge to said central planar section; apivot having a central axis and connected to the back of said bodybehind said central planar section, a point on the front surface of themirror exactly opposite to said pivot along said central axis defining apivot position; wherein the ratio K_(ML) of the distance from the leftside of the planar section to said pivot position to the distance fromsaid left far edge to said pivot position is between about 1/10 and9/10; and wherein the ratio K_(MR) of the distance from the right sideof the planar section to said pivot position to the distance from saidright far edge to said pivot position is between about 1/10 and 9/10. 2.The curved central rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein said pivotposition is located along about the centerline of the vehicle, thevehicle being a left hand drive vehicle, and the radius of curvaturer_(ML) of said left curved section is determined by the equations:$\begin{matrix}{I_{ML} = {90 - B_{M} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{c + {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}{h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\frac{\quad{c + {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{ML}}}}{g_{L} + e + h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{ML}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 1} \right) \\{K_{ML} = {\frac{M_{MLP}}{M_{ML}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{ML}}{2} - D_{ML}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 3} \right) \\{r_{ML} = \frac{M_{ML}\sqrt{\left( K_{ML} \right)^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{ML} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{ML}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 4} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(ML) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(M)is the angle of the flat face of the central mirror relative to lateral;c is the forward distance between the driver's eyes and the pivot pointof the central mirror; M_(MLP) is the mirror length from the left edgeof the planar section to the pivot position; M_(ML) is the length fromthe far edge of the left curved section to the pivot position of thecentral mirror; D_(ML) is the angle between the planar section and aplane including the far edge of the left curved section and the pivotpoint of the central mirror; h is the lateral distance between thedriver's eyes and the pivot point of the central mirror; g_(L) is thelateral distance from the left side of the vehicle to a first selectedleft reference point; e is the lateral distance between the driver'seyes and the left side of the vehicle; G_(ML) is the angle betweenlateral and said first left reference point; said first left referencepoint being a selected point to the left of the vehicle which the driverwishes to see with the central mirror.
 3. The curved central rearviewmirror of claim 1, wherein said pivot position is located along aboutthe centerline of the vehicle, the vehicle being a right hand drivevehicle, and the radius of curvature r_(ML) of said left curved sectionis determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{ML} = {B_{M} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\frac{\quad{c - {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}}}}{h + {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{c - {M_{ML} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + a - e - h} \right)\tan\quad G_{ML}}}{g_{R} + a - e - h - {M_{ML} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{ML}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & {\left( {{Equation}\quad 2} \right)\quad} \\{K_{ML} = {\frac{M_{MLP}}{M_{ML}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{ML}}{2} - D_{ML}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 3} \right) \\{r_{ML} = \frac{M_{ML}\sqrt{\left( K_{ML} \right)^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{ML} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{ML}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{ML}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 4} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(ML) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(M)is the angle of the flat face of the central mirror relative to lateral;c is the forward distance between the driver's eyes and the pivot pointof the central mirror; M_(MLP) is the mirror length from the left edgeof the planar section to the pivot position; M_(ML) is the length fromthe far edge of the left curved section to the pivot position of thecentral mirror; D_(ML) is the angle between the planar section and aplane including the far edge of the left curved section and the pivotpoint of the central mirror; h is the lateral distance between thedriver's eyes and the pivot point of the central mirror; g_(R) is thelateral distance from the left side of the vehicle to a selected firstleft reference point; e is the lateral distance between the driver'seyes and the left side of the vehicle; G_(ML) is the angle betweenlateral and said first left reference; said first left reference pointbeing a selected point to the left of the vehicle which the driverwishes to see with the central mirror.
 4. The curved central rearviewmirror of claim 1, wherein said pivot position is located along aboutthe centerline of the vehicle, the vehicle being a left hand drivevehicle, and the radius of curvature r_(MR) of said left curved sectionis determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{MR} = {B_{M} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\frac{\quad{c - {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}}{h + {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{c - {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + a - e - h} \right)\tan\quad G_{MR}}}{g_{R} + a - e - h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} - D_{MR}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 5} \right) \\{K_{MR} = {\frac{M_{MRP}}{M_{MR}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{MR}}{2} - D_{MR}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 7} \right) \\{r_{MR} = \frac{M_{MR}\sqrt{K_{MR}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{MR} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{MR}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 8} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(MR) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(M)is the angle of the flat face of the central mirror relative to lateral;c is the forward distance between the driver's eyes and the pivot pointof the central mirror; M_(MRP) is the mirror length from the right edgeof the planar section to the pivot position; M_(MR) is the length fromthe far edge of the right curved section to the pivot position of thecentral mirror; D_(MR) is the angle between the planar section and aplane including the far edge of the right curved section and the pivotpoint of the central mirror; h is the lateral distance between thedriver's eyes and the pivot point of the central mirror; g_(R) is thelateral distance between the right side of the vehicle and a selectedfirst right reference point; a is the lateral distance between the leftside and the right side of the vehicle; e is the lateral distancebetween the driver's and the right side of the vehicle; G_(MR) is theangle between lateral and said first right reference point.
 5. Thecurved central rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein said pivot positionis located along about the centerline of the vehicle, the vehicle beinga right hand drive vehicle, and the radius of curvature r_(MR) of saidleft curved section is determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{MR} = {90 - B_{M} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{c + {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}{h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\frac{\quad{c + {M_{MR} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{MR}}}}{g_{R} + e + h - {M_{MR} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{M} + D_{MR}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 6} \right) \\{K_{MR} = {\frac{M_{MRP}}{M_{MR}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{MR}}{2} - D_{MR}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 7} \right) \\{r_{MR} = \frac{M_{MR}\sqrt{K_{MR}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{MR} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{MR}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{MR}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 8} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(MR) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(M)is the angle of the flat face of the central mirror relative to lateral;c is the forward distance between the driver's eyes and the pivot pointof the central mirror; M_(MRP) is the mirror length from the right edgeof the planar section to the pivot position; M_(MR) is the length fromthe far edge of the right curved section to the pivot position of thecentral mirror; D_(MR) is the angle between the planar section and aplane including the far edge of the right curved section and the pivotpoint of the central mirror; h is the lateral distance between thedriver's eyes and the pivot point of the central mirror; g_(R) is thelateral distance between the right side of the vehicle and a selectedfirst right reference point; e is the lateral distance between thedriver's eyes and the right side of the vehicle; G_(MR) is the anglebetween lateral and said first right reference point.
 6. A curved leftrearview mirror for a vehicle, comprising: a body having a reflectivefront surface and a back surface, said front surface having: a centralplanar section; a left section having a constant radius of curvature andextending from a left far edge to said central planar section; an uppersection having a constant radius of curvature and extending from anupper far edge to said central planar section; a bottom section having aconstant radius of curvature and extending from the bottom far edge tosaid central planar section; a pivot having a central axis and connectedto the back of said body behind said central planar section, a point onthe front surface of the mirror exactly opposite to said pivot alongsaid central axis defining a pivot position; wherein the ratio K_(L) ofthe distance M_(LP) from the left edge of the planar section to theright edge of the planar section to the distance M_(L) from the far leftedge of the left curved section to the right edge of the planar sectionis between about 1/10 and 9/10; wherein the ratio K_(LD) of the distanceM_(LDP) from the bottom edge of the planar section to said pivotposition to the distance M_(LD) from the far edge of the lower curvedsection to said pivot position is between about 1/10 and about 9/10; andwherein the ratio K_(LU) of the distance M_(LUP) from the top edge ofthe planar section to said pivot position to the distance M_(LU) fromthe far top edge of the top curved section to said pivot position isbetween about 1/10 and about 9/10.
 7. The curved left rearview mirror ofclaim 6, wherein said pivot position is located along the left side ofthe vehicle, the vehicle being a left hand drive vehicle, and the radiusof curvature r_(L) of said left curved section is determined by theequations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{L} = {B_{L} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}{e + f_{L} + {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{L}}}{g_{L} - f_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 9} \right) \\{K_{L} = {\frac{M_{LP}}{M_{L}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{L}}{2} - D_{L}} \right)}{\sin\quad\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 11} \right) \\{r_{L} = \frac{M_{L}\sqrt{K_{L}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{L} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{L}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 12} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(L) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(L)is the angle between the face of the left mirror and lateral; d_(L) isthe forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of theleft mirror; M_(LP) is the length from the left edge to the right edgeof the planar section of the left mirror; M_(L) is the length from thefar left edge of the curved section to the right inner edge of the leftmirror; D_(L) is the angle between the planar section and a planeincluding the far edge of the left curved section and the inner rightedge of the left mirror; e is the lateral distance between the driver'seyes and the left side of the vehicle; f_(L) is the lateral distancebetween the left side of the vehicle and the inner edge of the leftmirror; g_(L) is the lateral distance from the left side of the vehicleand a selected first left reference point; and G_(L) is the anglebetween lateral and said first left reference point.
 8. The curved leftrearview mirror of claim 6, wherein the radius of curvature r_(LD) ofsaid lower curved section is determined by the equations:$\begin{matrix}{I_{LD} = {B_{LUD} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}{p - l_{L} + {M_{LD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}} - {{p \cdot \tan}\quad G_{LD}}}{l_{L} - {M_{LD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} - D_{LD}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 13} \right) \\{K_{LD} = {\frac{M_{LDP}}{M_{LD}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{LD}}{2} - D_{LD}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{LD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 14} \right) \\{r_{LD} = \frac{M_{LD}\sqrt{K_{LD}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{LD} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{LD}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{LD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 15} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(LD) is an intermediate calculated value; D_(LD)is the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the bottom curved section and the pivot position; B_(LUD) is theangle of upward tilt of the planar section 22 relative to a verticalplane normal to the centerline of the vehicle; M_(LDP) is the lengthfrom the bottom edge of the planar section to the pivot position of theleft mirror; M_(LD) is the length from the far edge of the bottom curvedsection to the pivot position of the left mirror; d_(L) is the forwarddistance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of the left mirror; pis the vertical distance of the driver's eyes above the ground; l_(L) isthe vertical distance between ground and the pivot point of the leftside mirror; G_(LD) is the forward angle from vertical of a second leftreference point.
 9. The curved left rearview mirror of claim 6, whereinthe radius of curvature r_(LU) of said upper curved section isdetermined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{LU} = {90 - B_{LUD} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} + {M_{LU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}{p - l_{L} - {M_{LU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} + {M_{LU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}} - {\left( {j_{L} - p} \right)\tan\quad G_{LU}}}{j_{L} - l_{L} - {M_{LU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{LUD} + D_{LU}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 16} \right) \\{K_{LU} = {\frac{M_{LUP}}{M_{LU}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{LU}}{2} - D_{LU}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{LU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 17} \right) \\{r_{LU} = \frac{M_{LU}\sqrt{K_{LU}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{LU} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{LU}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{LU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 18} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(LU) is an intermediate calculated value; D_(LU)is the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the upper or top curved section and the pivot position; d_(L) isthe forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of theleft mirror; M_(LUP) is the distance of the top edge of the planarsection to the pivot position of the left mirror; M_(LU) is the lengthfrom the far edge of the top curved section to the pivot position of theleft mirror; D_(LU) is the angle between the planar section and a planeincluding the far edge of the top or upper curved section and the pivotposition of the left mirror; p is the vertical distance of the driver'seyes above the ground; l_(L) is the vertical distance between ground andthe pivot point of the left side mirror; and j_(L) is the verticaldistance between the ground and the left side of the vehicle roof. 10.The curved left rearview mirror of claim 6, wherein said pivot positionis located along the left side of the vehicle, the vehicle being a righthand drive vehicle, and the radius of curvature r_(L) of said leftcurved section is determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{L} = {B_{L} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}{a - e + f_{L} + {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{L} + a - e} \right)\tan\quad G_{L}}}{g_{L} - f_{L} - {M_{L} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{L} - D_{L}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 10} \right) \\{K_{L} = {\frac{M_{LP}}{M_{L}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{L}}{2} - D_{L}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 11} \right) \\{r_{L} = \frac{M_{L}\sqrt{K_{L}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{L} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{L}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{L}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 12} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(L) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(L)is the angle between the face of the left mirror and lateral; d_(L) isthe forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of theleft mirror; a is the lateral distance between the left side and theright side of the vehicle; M_(LP) is the length from the left edge tothe right edge of the planar section of the left mirror; M_(L) is thelength from the far left edge of the curved section to the right inneredge of the left mirror; D_(L) is the angle between the planar sectionand a plane including the far edge of the left curved section and theinner right edge of the left mirror; e is the lateral distance betweenthe driver's eyes and the left side of the vehicle; f_(L) is the lateraldistance between the left side of the vehicle and the inner edge of theleft mirror; g_(L) is the lateral distance from the left side of thevehicle and a selected first left reference point; and G_(L) is theangle between lateral and said first reference point.
 11. A curved rightrearview mirror for a vehicle, comprising: a body having a reflectivefront surface and a back surface, said front surface having: a centralplanar section; a right section having a constant radius of curvatureand extending from a far right edge to said central planar section; anupper section having a constant radius of curvature and extending froman upper far edge to said central planar section; a bottom sectionhaving a constant radius of curvature and extending from a bottom faredge to said central planar section; a pivot having a central axis andconnected to the back of said body behind said central planar section, apoint on the front surface of the mirror exactly opposite to said pivotalong said central axis defining a pivot position; wherein the ratioK_(R) of the distance M_(RP) from the right edge of the planar sectionto the inner left edge of the planar section to the distance M_(R) fromthe far edge of the right curved section to the inner left edge of theright mirror is between about 1/10 and 9/10; wherein the ratio K_(RU) ofthe distance M_(RDP) from the bottom edge of the planar section to saidpivot position of said right mirror to the distance M_(RD) from the faredge of the lower curved section to said pivot position is between about1/10 and about 9/10; and wherein the ratio K_(RU) of the distanceM_(RUP) from the top edge of the planar section to said pivot positionto the distance M_(RU) from the far top edge of the top curved sectionto said pivot position is between about 1/10 and about 9/10.
 12. Thecurved right rearview mirror of claim 11, wherein said pivot position islocated along the right side of the vehicle, the vehicle being a lefthand drive vehicle, and the radius of curvature r_(R) of said rightcurved section is determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{R} = {B_{R} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}{a - e + f_{R} + {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + a - e} \right)\tan\quad G_{R}}}{g_{R} - f_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 19} \right) \\{K_{R} = {\frac{M_{RP}}{M_{R}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{R}}{2} - D_{R}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 21} \right) \\{r_{R} = \frac{M_{R}\sqrt{K_{R}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{R} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{R}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 22} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(R) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(R)is the angle between the face of the right rearview mirror and lateral;d_(R) is the forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edgeof the right mirror; M_(RP) is the length from the right edge of theplanar section to the left edge of the planar section of the rightmirror; M_(R) is the length from the far right edge of the curvedsection to the left inner edge of the right mirror; D_(R) is the anglebetween the planar section and a plane including the far edge of theright curved section and the inner left edge of the right rearviewmirror; a is the lateral distance between the left side and the rightside of the vehicle; e is the lateral distance between the driver's eyesand the left side of the vehicle; f_(R) is the lateral distance betweenthe right side of the vehicle and the inner edge of the right mirror;g_(R) is the lateral distance from the right side of the vehicle and aselected first right reference point; and G_(R) is the angle betweenlateral and said first reference point.
 13. The curved right rearviewmirror of claim 11, wherein the radius of curvature r_(RD) of said lowercurved section is determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{RD} = {B_{RUD} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}{p - l_{R} + {M_{RD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}} - {{p \cdot \tan}\quad G_{RD}}}{l_{R} - {M_{RD} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} - D_{RD}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 23} \right) \\{K_{RD} = {\frac{M_{RDP}}{M_{RD}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{RD}}{2} - D_{RD}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{RD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 24} \right) \\{r_{RD} = \frac{M_{RD}\sqrt{K_{RD}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{RD} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{RD}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{RD}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 25} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(RD) is an intermediate calculated value; D_(RD)is the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the bottom curved section and the pivot position; B_(RUD) is theangle of upward tilt of the planar section relative to a vertical planenormal to the centerline of the vehicle; M_(RDP) is the length from thebottom edge of the planar section to the pivot position of the rightmirror; M_(RP) is the length from the far edge of the bottom curvedsection to the pivot position of the right mirror; d_(R) is the forwarddistance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of the right mirror; pis the vertical distance of the driver's eyes above the ground; l_(R) isthe vertical distance between ground and the pivot point of the rightside mirror; G_(RD) is the forward angle from vertical of a selectedsecond right reference point.
 14. The curved right rearview mirror ofclaim 11, wherein the radius of curvature r_(RU) of said upper curvedsection is determined by the equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{RU} = {90 - B_{RUD} - {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} + {M_{RU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}{p - l_{R} - {M_{RU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}} + {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} + {M_{RU} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}} - {\left( {j_{R} - p} \right)\tan\quad G_{RU}}}{j_{R} - l_{R} - {M_{RU} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{RUD} + D_{RU}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 26} \right) \\{K_{RU} = {\frac{M_{RUP}}{M_{RU}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{RU}}{2} - D_{RU}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{RU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 27} \right) \\{r_{RU} = \frac{M_{RU}\sqrt{K_{RU}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{RU} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{RU}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{RU}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 28} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(RU) is an intermediate calculated value; D_(RU)is the angle between the planar section and a plane including the faredge of the upper curved section and the pivot position; B_(RUD) is theangle of upward tilt of the planar section relative to a vertical planenormal to the centerline of the vehicle; d_(R) is the forward distancefrom the driver's eyes to the inner edge of the right mirror; M_(RUP) isthe length form the top edge of the planar section to the pivot positionof the right mirror; M_(RU) is the length from the far edge of the topcurved section to the pivot position of the right mirror; p is thevertical distance of the driver's eyes above the ground; l_(R) is thevertical distance between ground and the pivot point of the right sidemirror; and j_(R) is the vertical distance between the ground and theright side of the vehicle roof.
 15. The curved left rearview mirror ofclaim 11, wherein said pivot position is located along the right side ofthe vehicle, the vehicle being a right hand drive vehicle, and theradius of curvature r_(R) of said right curved section is determined bythe equations: $\begin{matrix}{I_{R} = {B_{R} + {\frac{1}{2}\left\lbrack {{\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}{e + f_{R} + {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}} - {\arctan\quad\frac{d_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\sin\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}} - {\left( {g_{R} + e} \right)\tan\quad G_{R}}}{g_{R} - f_{R} - {M_{R} \cdot {\cos\left( {B_{R} - D_{R}} \right)}}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 20} \right) \\{K_{R} = {\frac{M_{RP}}{M_{R}} = \frac{\sin\left( {\frac{I_{R}}{2} - D_{R}} \right)}{\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 21} \right) \\{r_{R} = \frac{M_{R}\sqrt{K_{R}^{2} + 1 - {{2 \cdot K_{R} \cdot \cos}\quad D_{R}}}}{2 \cdot {\sin\left( \frac{I_{R}}{2} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 22} \right)\end{matrix}$ wherein I_(R) is an intermediate calculated value; B_(R)is the angle between the face of the right mirror and lateral; d_(R) isthe forward distance from the driver's eyes to the inner edge of theright rearview mirror; M_(RP) is the length from the right edge of theplanar section to the left edge of the planar section of the rightmirror; M_(R) is the length from the far right edge of the curvedsection to the left inner edge of the right mirror; D_(R) is the anglebetween the planar section and a plane including the far edge of theright curved section and the inner left edge of the right mirror; e isthe lateral distance between the driver's eyes and the right side of thevehicle; f_(R) is the lateral distance between the right side of thevehicle and the inner edge of the right mirror; g_(R) is the lateraldistance from the right side of the vehicle and a selected first rightreference point; and G_(R) is the angle between lateral and said firstright reference point.
 16. A curved rearview mirror system for vehicles,comprising: a central rearview mirror having a central planar section, aconvexly curved left section, and a convexly curved right section; aleft rearview mirror having a central planar section, a convexly curvedleft side section, a convexly curved top side section, and a convexlycurved bottom side section; and a right rearview mirror having a centralplanar section, a convexly curved right side section, a convexly curvedtop side section, and a convexly curved bottom side section; whereineach of said curved sections has a constant radius of curvature.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, further comprising: a pivot having a central axisand connected to the back of said body behind said central planarsection of said curved central mirror, a point on the front surface ofthe mirror exactly opposite to said pivot along said central axisdefining a pivot position; wherein the ratio K_(ML) of the distance fromthe left side of the planar section to said pivot position to thedistance from said left far edge to said pivot position is between about1/10 and 9/10; and wherein the ratio K_(ML) of the distance from theright side of the planar section to said pivot position to the distancefrom said right far edge to said pivot position is between about 1/10and 9/10.
 18. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a pivot havinga central axis and connected to the back of said body behind saidcentral planar section of said left hand mirror, a point on the frontsurface of the mirror exactly opposite to said pivot along said centralaxis defining a pivot position; wherein the ratio K_(L) of the distanceM_(LP) from the left edge of the planar section to the right edge of theplanar section to the distance M_(L) from the far left edge of the leftcurved section to the right edge of the planar section is between about1/10 and 9/10; wherein the ratio K_(LD) of the distance M_(LDP) from thebottom edge of the planar section to said pivot position to the distanceM_(LD) from the far edge of the lower curved section to said pivotposition is between about 1/10 and about 9/10; and wherein the ratioK_(LU) of the distance M_(LUP) from the top edge of the planar sectionto said pivot position to the distance M_(LU) from the far top edge ofthe top curved section to said pivot position is between about 1/10 andabout 9/10.
 19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a pivothaving a central axis and connected to the back of said body behind saidcentral planar section of said right hand mirror, a point on the frontsurface of the mirror exactly opposite to said pivot along said centralaxis defining a pivot position; wherein the ratio K_(R) of the distanceM_(RP) from the right edge of the planar section to the inner left edgeof the planar section to the distance M_(R) from the far edge of theright curved section to the inner left edge of the right mirror isbetween about 1/10 and 9/10; wherein the ratio K_(RD) of the distanceM_(RDP) from the bottom edge of the planar section to said pivotposition of said right mirror to the distance M_(RD) from the far edgeof the lower curved section to said pivot position is between about 1/10and about 9/10; and wherein the ratio K_(RU) of the distance M_(RUP)from the top edge of the planar section to said pivot position to thedistance M_(RU) from the far top edge of the top curved section to saidpivot position is between about 1/10 and about 9/10.